Google Maps back to Apple iOS

Google has officially released its Maps application for iOS platform, bringing in much respite to users who were yearning for the app after being let down by Apple Maps.

NEW DELHI: Move over Apple Maps, Google has brought its own mapping application to the party! The internet search giant has officially released its Maps application for iOS platform, bringing in much respite to users who were yearning for the app after being let down by the half-baked Apple Maps, released with iPhone 5.

In a blog post on the official Google blog, Daniel Graf, the director of Google Maps for Mobile division, said:

"People around the world have been asking for Google Maps on iPhone. Starting today, we're pleased to announce that Google Maps is here — rolling out across the world in the Apple App Store.

The app shows more map on screen and turns mobile mapping into one intuitive experience. It's a sharper looking, vector-based map that loads quickly and provides smooth tilting and rotating of 2D and 3D views. The search box at the top is a good place to start. An expandable info sheet at the bottom shows the address, opening hours, ratings and reviews, images, directions and other information."

Graf also revealed that Google has made the SDK (Software Developer's Kit) for the application for iOS platform available to developers, which will help it build a more integrated ecosystem on Apple's turf.

Google Maps for iOS is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, the third-, fourth- and fifth-generation iPod touch and iPad. These devices need to run on iOS 5.1 or above for the app to work.

The key features included in the Google Maps app for iOS include voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation, live traffic information, local business search and gesture controls for exploring maps. Google has also brought Street View to Apple, allowing users to enjoy 360-degree views of various places and see the interiors of over 100,000 businesses across the globe.

Absence of voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation on iOS was said to be the bone of contention when Apple dumped Google Maps from its platform. Google offered this feature on its own Android mobile operating system, which competes with Apple's iOS.

Apple has been plagued by complains over its inaccurate and seeming incomplete Maps app. Recently, police in Australia advised citizens against using the application after it led some drivers to a snake-infested desert. Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote a letter of apology over the Maps app and directed users to Google Maps and other rivals till the company sorted out the problem. Scott Forstall, the man behind iOS, iTunes and App Store, was recently ousted from Apple, and reports claim this was due to his refusal to sign the apology for Apple Maps.